A retired Los Angeles police officer who sued a gun maker after his 3-year-old son shot him had his lawsuit dismissed Friday by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge.

Enrique Chavez, now 39, of Anaheim, was off-duty when he was shot on July 11, 2006, while driving his Ford Ranger near Harbor Boulevard and La Palma Avenue. His son, who was not in a car seat, got a hold of the father’s .45-caliber Glock while sitting in the back seat and shot him in the back, according to police reports.

Terrible thing to have happen. I’m sure he thought he’d win the lawsuit… but I’m glad he didn’t, that would have set a terrible precedent that would only further inconvience responsible gun owners like the rest of us. Last thing I want is more safeties and warnings all over my guns.

Just goes to show how you need to keep your guns secured around kids because things could go bad in a split second.

The fact that Berry was found not guilty blows my mind. Dolla was shot 3 times in the back, and police never found a gun on him. How the hell can they call Berry’s actions self defense? Sounds more like shoot first ask questions later. The jury must have been so fixated on those rap lyrics that they completely lost sight of the facts.

Sandy Banks from the L.A. Times is gearing up for column this Saturday on America’s fascination with guns.

I discovered that I’m a pretty good shot. That there is something thrilling about holding a gun. And that firing real bullets is nothing like playing Halo.

I don’t think guns are evil, but I’m trying to figure out the fascination with them for Saturday’s column. I’d like to hear from gun owners. Why do you love your guns?

I respect Ms. Banks for giving shooting a try and keeping an open mind. I am optimistic that the article on Saturday will not make us look like a bunch of right wing extremists. I believe she will find that people love their guns because they are a means for self defense, and because shooting is a fun hobby where you can enjoy the outdoors and time with friends and family.